Tragic Incident at Vizag Steel Plant Claims Lives of Eight Workers

In a devastating incident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh, eight workers lost their lives after molten metal fell on them during a catastrophic explosion on Monday. The tragic event occurred in the Steel Melting Shop-1 unit around 4:40 PM, when a ladle carrying liquid steel exploded, as reported by PTI.

According to officials at the plant, approximately 20 workers were present on duty at the time of the explosion. The blast not only caused a massive fire but also led to hundreds of tonnes of molten steel spilling across the shop floor. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the intense heat from the molten metal, which reached temperatures of approximately 1,600 degrees Celsius, engulfed the area.

As a result of this unfortunate incident, six additional workers sustained severe burn injuries and were promptly admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. The injured workers have been identified as R Mallikharjuna Rao, P Srinivasa Rao, A Appa Rao, Satyanarayana, G Suribabu, and Paidiraju. Their conditions have not been disclosed, and further updates on their recovery are anticipated.

The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, known as RINL, is a public sector enterprise operating under the Union Ministry of Steel’s administrative control. The plant has long been a pillar of industrial employment in the region, highlighting the dangers that workers face in high-risk environments like steel manufacturing.

Upon learning about the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each of the bereaved families. The government’s response indicates the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to support the victims’ families during this challenging time. As investigations continue to ascertain the cause of the explosion, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with heavy industry in India.

Source: scroll.in